Anutin emphasised that constitutional amendment is a core policy of the government led by the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), and he agreed with the People’s Party (PP) that the process of drafting a new constitution must be fast-tracked, reports the Bangkok Post.
However, a public referendum must first be held to determine whether the people agree that a new constitution should be written, according to a Constitutional Court ruling on Wednesday (Sept 10). The court ruled that parliament has the authority to express its intent to draft a new constitution.
However, this must be preceded by a referendum to confirm whether the people agree to adopt a new charter. The court said the drafting of a new constitution must be subject to three referendums, but the first two could be held together.
At the same time, the court blocked the possibility of directly electing members of a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). Regarding the first referendum, which is expected to take place alongside the upcoming general election, Anutin noted that there is little reason to feel pressure.
Once the four-month period has elapsed, the House will be immediately dissolved. He added that, after the dissolution, no one will be in a position to exert pressure. “We must work without feeling pressured. Trust and mutual confidence are essential,” he said.
He also reiterated that the consensus reached between the BJT and PP is that the best solution under the current House of Representatives is to dissolve parliament and that he will uphold the agreement to dissolve the House within four months. “I must honour that commitment,” Anutin said.
As for the constitutional amendment process, Anutin reiterated that it falls under the purview of parliament. If the process can be completed within the four-month timeframe, it will proceed as planned.
However, if it cannot be accomplished in time, it will have to be put on hold. The House would then be dissolved, followed by a general election. He added that all parties must then clearly explain to the public how they each propose to amend the constitution.
Sources said Anutin has appointed a working group to prepare for holding a constitutional referendum. This initiative stems from the fact that the charter amendment is one of the BJT’s key policy priorities. The panel is headed by BJT secretary-general and MP for Buri Ram, Chaichanok Chidchob.
Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesman for the PP, said after talks with the Pheu Thai and BJT parties yesterday, all three agreed to proceed with drafting a new constitution through two referendums.
Parliament would first amend Chapter 15/1 on the charter-drafting mechanism, followed by the first referendum asking whether a new constitution should be written and whether to approve the amendment. A second referendum would approve the completed draft.
Mr Parit said the timeline would allow the first referendum to coincide with the general election, expected within four months of the government’s policy statement. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed the timeline is feasible.
He confirmed the PP’s draft constitutional amendment would be ready next week, with Pheu Thai also on track. The BJT’s representative left before a conclusion but pledged to finalise their draft quickly, he said.
He also urged the Constitutional Court to release its full ruling promptly and called on all parties to engage senators to secure one-third of their votes needed for approval, ensuring direct public participation remains central.
EC secretary-general Sawang Boonmee said that the conduct of the referendum would be largely similar to the general election and could be held concurrently. However, the process is contingent upon the enactment of an additional law to provide legal authority.